By Marcus Stanley
Originally shared November 2, 2026
Hey family,
Whether you just signed up or you’ve been waiting on these emails for a long time, thank you for being here. Many of you signed up over a year ago, and I’m grateful for your patience with me. I’m glad we finally get to spend a few minutes together each week.
Some of you already know this, and some of you don’t. In 2025, I went into septic shock. I was feeling completely fine, and then slowly things started happening to me. I began to lose my vision. My temperature changed. I got extremely weak. By the time I made it to the hospital, my body was shutting down, and the next 24 hours were critical.
The doctors found out it was a bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae that was causing everything to shut down, and once they knew that, they were able to treat me. I’ll be honest with you. Even with all the faith I have, in that moment I was terrified.
Then this year, in 2026, it happened again. Thankfully, this time it was far less severe. After all of that, I needed some time before I was ready to begin these emails. But God has been holding me together through every bit of it, and here we are.
Before this Monday starts, let me ask you something. What’s one thing that’s been heavy on your heart right now?
You might already know the answer. It could be someone you love, a decision you need to make, or something you keep thinking about when the house gets quiet.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
That word “cast” really encourages me. It encourages me because God doesn’t ask us to carry it a little longer until we’ve figured it out. He asks us to give it to Him and trust Him while we’re still in the middle of what we’re going through.
Sometimes the realest prayer we can pray is simply, “Jesus, this is hard, and I need Your help.”
If you have a moment today, let Him know about what you’ve been carrying. Tell Him about all of it, and don’t try to hide it. Ask Him for wisdom and strength for whatever is in front of you today. Then give yourself a moment to breathe.
If you’d like someone to pray with you as you begin this week, you can watch or listen to the prayer below.
Let’s pray.
Dear God, thank You so much for everything that You’re doing in our lives. You know what each one of us is carrying today. Help us stay close to You this week and trust You with all of our heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m grateful we can stay connected here, and I’ll be sending you a devotional once a week.
I love you all.
Marcus
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